Originally Posted by
LeeG
I'm not familiar with that Fuji but if it's got 23yr old wheels I'd be inclined to replace the rear rim/wheel
When I had a shop on the coast in the 80's I replaced a lot of rear wheels on bikes people had for ten years but never loaded up with gear. They loaded it up and rear spokes started breaking a week into the trip. So the short answer is "it depends" on the size of the load, you and your gear whether the bikes you have can work.
Very good idea to get all the wheels checked over carefully. Straight, true and properly tensioned wheels are goning to be important.
If two of you already have lightweight bikes, pool your money and get the third a real touring bike, then make him carry most of the gear.